Gout is a medical condition related to arthritis, and is caused by too much uric acid in the blood. This excess acid forms into crystals, causing redness, swelling and pain in the joints. Avoiding red meat, shellfish, alcohol and other foods high in purine can lessen gout symptoms. One natural gout cure is to eat fresh papaya. Papaya contains papain, which is a natural anti-inflammatory. Over-the-counter papaya gout remedies are also available, but fresh papaya is not only more potent, but also versatile and sweet.
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Choose papayas that are red-orange in color, and slightly soft without being mushy. A papaya with yellow patches is not quite ripe, and will need to sit at room temperature for a few days. Avoid papayas that have black spots or are too squishy when you hold them.
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Slice your papaya in half lengthwise. Scoop out and discard the seeds. Cut one half of the papaya into bite-sized chunks and sprinkle them on your breakfast cereal to start your day off with a healthy serving of papain.
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Cut your papaya in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and discard them. Sprinkle your papaya with fresh lime juice, and eat it right out of the skin with a spoon for a healthy, gout-fighting, midday snack.
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Add pureed papaya to sauces, soups and stews for a sweet burst of flavor. Peel the papaya, remove the seeds, and add small chunks to a blender or food processor. Add cream, water or vegetable broth as your recipe requires, if it needs thinning.
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Make a healthy, gout-fighting shake by tossing papaya chunks, banana pieces, milk and ice in the blender and blending until smooth. Bananas are loaded with potassium, which helps liquefy uric acid crystals.
Tip
Always wash papayas thoroughly before eating or serving them.
Warnings
Do not eat papaya seeds. The carpain they contain can lower your pulse rate and depress your nervous system
